Brighthill Church and River City Church are coming together to become one church. River City will be joining Brighthill, and together we will move forward as one unified church family with one mission, one leadership structure, and one future.

We believe God is inviting us into something good and purposeful.

River City has faithfully stewarded a meaningful chapter of ministry, and Brighthill is stepping forward into a season of continued growth and mission. Bringing our people together allows us to honor what has been while moving forward with clarity, unity, and shared direction.

This is not about rescue or takeover. It is about faithful stewardship, relational trust, and joining together under one mission for the sake of the gospel.

Beginning March 15, we will gather together at the current River City building (708 W. Nora) each Sunday at 10 AM. We’re excited to worship together in this space as one church family.

Moving forward, our unified church will be known as Brighthill.

This helps create clarity, unity, and a shared identity as we move forward together.

River City is choosing to entrust its future into Brighthill’s mission, leadership, and structure. As part of this, River City will not continue as a separate entity.

River City’s story matters and is not being erased. What God has done will continue to bear fruit through the people who have been formed there, the prayers that have been prayed, and the gospel work that will continue through our becoming Brighthill.

Pastor David Lewellyn will serve as our Lead Pastor.

Pastor Bobby has faithfully led River City and will now joyfully hand the baton of leadership to Pastor David. We are deeply grateful for Pastor Bobby’s faithful service and bless him as he steps into his future ministry.

Pastor Bobby will be loved and honored moving forward. God has big plans for him and we rooting for him on as he steps into that future. Pastor Bobby will not have a pastoral or leadership role at Brighthill. He will be cheering you on from wherever God leads him next, joyfully passing the baton of leadership to Pastor David.

Staff and volunteers from both River City and Brighthill have faithfully served their communities. Some roles may continue, while others may change or conclude as we align teams around a shared vision, mission, and culture.

Every person will be treated with honor, clarity, and care throughout the process. There are no automatic assumptions, but we are grateful for everyone’s service and heart for ministry.

River City’s building and assets will become part of our shared future as Brighthill Church and will be stewarded to support the mission and ministry God is calling us into together as one unified church.

Our heart is to use these resources wisely and faithfully for the sake of the gospel and the city.

Some things will remain familiar, and some things will change. Our goal is not to erase the past, but to build a shared future where the best of both churches continues to shape who we are. Changes will be made thoughtfully and pastorally, with a focus on health, mission, and unity—not simply comfort, consensus, or preference. We want people to feel honored in what has been, and excited about what God is doing through us together.

River City and Brighthill share a heart for families and children. Together, we hope to strengthen and expand ministries for kids, youth, and families as we move forward. By combining our people, resources, and gifts, we believe we can create new opportunities for children and youth to encounter Jesus and grow in community. We'll invest in continuing to develop a strong kids ministry that is safe, Jesus-focused, and fun.

Eventually, giving will be unified as part of our shared future as Brighthill Church. Clear communication will be provided regarding giving platforms, the timing of transitions, and financial transparency. All funds will be stewarded responsibly and in alignment with the mission we are stepping into together.

Yes. Brighthill Church will continue to be a Foursquare church. Foursquare is a healthy, global movement that helps support local churches through accountability, mission, leadership development, and shared resources. At the same time, our primary identity is as a Jesus-centered church, committed to the authority of Scripture and the mission of helping people take their next steps with Jesus. Our partnership with Foursquare strengthens that mission without defining or limiting it.

All of those responses are normal and welcome. This season holds gratitude for what has been, joy in fresh vision, grief for what is changing, hope for what God is doing next, and trust in God’s guidance. It’s okay to take time to process your emotions. We encourage you to pray, talk with a trusted leader, or share with someone you trust. Your feelings do not determine your place here. We want to walk together honestly and patiently, giving space for everyone to belong as we move forward.

Here is what you can expect:

• February 1: Public announcement and transition communication

• February 8: Guest preacher at River City

• February 15: Pastor David begins preaching, leading, and pastoring at River City and Brighthill separately leading up to the integration of the two.

• March 15: The two churches are unified as Brighthill and begin meeting together.

Details will be communicated clearly as dates are finalized.

We understand that this transition may not be right for everyone.

If you sense God leading you elsewhere, we want to bless you—not pressure you. Our hope is always that people would be rooted in a healthy church community, whether that is our church or elsewhere. Our hope is you’ll take time to pray and experience the combined community before making a decision.

Please pray:

• Gratitude toGod for his goodness.

• Unity and humility among all leaders and members

• Clear leadership and wisdom in every decision

• Peace and comfort for those grieving change

• Fruitfulness for the mission ahead, including:

  • That those who are lost would find Jesus

  • That God would continue to grow and guide our ministries for years to come

  • That we would see people take their next steps with Jesus.

• God’s presence to guide every step and inspire vision for the future

We encourage you to bring your questions, thoughts, and concerns directly to pastors, trusted leaders, or members of the transition team. This helps us listen well, respond with care, and avoid misunderstandings or speculation. We are committed to walking together honestly, patiently, and respectfully during this season of change.